Table 1 Content of the laboratory test messages

Phase One

Unconditional; attached to all cholesterol reports

For type 2 diabetes and age ≥ 40 yrs: on simvastatin 40 mg? See [local guideline] for detail and exclusions

Conditional; attached to all HbA1c reports

If HbA1c < 6.5%

'Within target for type 2 diabetes'

If HbA1c 6.5 to 7.0%

'For type 2 diabetes, consider increasing oral therapy'

If HbA1c 7.0 to 8.0%

'If type 2 diabetes: on max oral therapy, e.g., Metformin 1G BD + gliclazide 160 mg BD?'

If HbA1c > 8.0%

'If type 2 diabetes, consider insulin if on max oral Rx, e.g., Metformin 1G BD + gliclazide 160 mg BD'

Phase Two

Unconditional; attached to all albumin: creatinine ratio (ACR) test reports

'Newcastle Diabetes Guideline Footcare: all patients annual review of sensation, pulses, footwear education'

Conditional; attached to all ACR test reports

If ACR above 2.5

'If confirmed microalbuminuria: aim for BP < 130/80 in type 2 diabetes'

If ACR below 2.5

'If no microalbuminuria: aim for BP control < 140/80 in type 2 diabetes'